Preparation, Characterization and Biological Studies of Β-TCP and Β-TCP/Al2O3 Scaffolds Obtained by Gel-Casting of Foams

Author(s)

Lilian Siqueira ; Cynthia Guimarães de Paula ; Mariana Motisuke ; Rubia Figueredo Gouveia ; Samira Esteves Afonso Camargo ; Noala Vicensoto Moreira Milhan ; Eliandra de Sousa Trichês

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS; v. 20, n. 4, p. -, Ago. 2017.

Abstract

Replacement tissues for tissue engineering can be produced by seeding human cells onto scaffolds. In order to guarantee adequate bio-compatibility, porosity and mechanical resistance for promoting cellular growth, proliferation and differentiation within scaffold structures, it is necessary to investigate and improve materials and processing routes. β-tricalcium phosphate can be considered a very suitable bio-ceramic material for bone therapy because of its biocompatibility, osteo-conductivity and neo-vascularization potential. Alumina is commonly used as a sintering additive. In this study, β-TCP and β-TCP/Al2O3 scaffolds were obtained by gel-casting method. The scaffolds showed high porosity (86-88%) and pore sizes ranging from 200 to 500 µm. Even though alumina did not promote improvement in β-TCP/Al2O3 scaffolds in terms of mechanical performance, they showed great cytocompatibility as there was no cytotoxic and genotoxic effect. Therefore, β-TCP and β-TCP/Al2O3 scaffolds are good candidates for application in tissue engineering. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/00863-0 - Processing and characterization of B-TCP/Al2O3 nanostructured scaffolds for biomedical applications
• Grantee: Eliandra de Sousa Trichês
• Support type: Regular Research Grants